Pathway 2 - Role Profile Level e

Professor (Grade M)

This profile assumes all the qualifications, skills and experiences required of a Level d researcher have been acquired.  It also assumes that the responsibilities of a Level d researcher will have been fulfilled satisfactorily.  Only the additional requirements are spelled out below

Role Summary

  1. Role holders at this level will have substantial experience of research leadership and related management/administration.
  2. They will enjoy a wide recognition for their expertise within the academic community internationally (as evidenced by conference invitations, journal editorships, office holding in specialist groupings, associations with appropriate Research Councils etc.).
  3. They will have made recognised and significant contributions to the developing knowledge and understanding of their research area.
  4. They will already have responsibilities for the creation, initiation, development and overall management of significant research programmes.
  5. They will be expected to ‘profess’ their discipline within the School, as appropriate and consonant with the terms of their funding.
  6. This role will typically require significant leadership or management contributions, usually within the School but sometimes in the University more widely.

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Qualifications, skills and experience needed for appointment/promotion to Level e

  1. A recognised international and national reputation with peers for the quality and significance of their research work.
  2. Substantial visible signs of external peer recognition for their research eminence.
  3. Depth and breadth of knowledge in their academic discipline, which supports the development of new knowledge and understanding in that field.
  4. Ability to effectively lead and motivate people.
  5. Experience of leading the successful design of research programmes.
  6. Ability to act as a professional role model to other academic staff, in relation to research and/or management activity.
  7. An understanding of resource management processes and the skills to apply them effectively.
  8. Experience of managing research funding or other resources (as appropriate for the discipline).
  9. A good knowledge of University policies and procedures and of the issues in the higher education, research and political context.

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Responsibilities

  1. Plan and lead the successful implementation of research activities and programmes of outstanding quality and international repute in their subject area ensuring that outputs meet School and/or Faculty expectations for quality and quantity and that impact of research and opportunities to demonstrate this is appropriately considered.
  2. Manage effectively the teams of people, and the other resources, needed to deliver the research plan, as appropriate for the discipline.
  3. Lead major funding bids, which successfully develop and sustain research support for their specialist area and advance the reputation of the School and University in the area.
  4. Provide effective intellectual leadership in acquiring, analysing and interpreting research data, using techniques, models and methods selected, developed, refined or devised for the purpose.
  5. Publish research results in appropriate fora and making an international impact through the successful dissemination of their work.
  6. Provide expert advice, mentoring, motivation and support on research issues for other academic staff within the School.
  7. Participate actively in the development of the School’s research strategy, both specifically in the area of their expertise and more generally.
  8. Lead successful research and collaborative partnerships with other educational institutions or other relevant bodies.
  9. Contribute effectively to School/Faculty/University committees and working groups.
  10. Take positions of responsibility within the School/Faculty/University.
  11. In consultation with Head of School, take an ambassadorial role in relation to international activity and actively promote the University’s  internationalisation strategy.
  12. Lead significant initiatives to achieve engagement with research, and/or impact beyond academia.
  13. Promote full and effective participation in Staff Review and Development and demonstrate a commitment to mentoring and other continuing professional development activities for their self and others. Their own development may include engagement with the University’s CREATE scheme or Health Professions Education programme. 
  14. May undertake some teaching relevant to their specialism.
  15. Actively promote the University’s equality and diversity agenda.
  16. Take responsibility for Health and Safety issues.
  17. Engage with the sustainability agenda, including working towards relevant benchmarks/awards as appropriate.
  18. Actively involve themselves in promoting and embedding a culture of engagement beyond academia within the School/Faculty/University.
  19. Establish information and communications systems, including effective internal communications, such as social events, which help support the School to achieve its goals.
  20. Effectively represent the School when working with colleagues from other parts of the University and/or external organisations.
  21. Consistently act as a good citizen, actively undertaking administration duties and participating fully in the daily working life of the School.

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Relationships and Contacts

  1. Will be line managed by the Head of School (or Head of Primary Unit).
  2. Will relate to academic staff within the School and beyond on a regular basis.
  3. Will be responsible for, and work with, professional services staff.
  4. Will have significant contacts with senior members of the Faculty and/or University, both academic and professional services.
  5. Will work closely with external research bodies.
  6. Will represent the University externally, to government agencies, research funders, and industrial partners.

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